Institutional Prep Cook — Nutritious Meals & Sanitation

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division is seeking a dedicated kitchen worker to plan, prepare and serve nutritious meals in an institutional setting. This role supports daily operations of a food service program while ensuring compliance with safety, nutrition, and licensing standards.

Requirements include a high school diploma, at least one year of institutional cooking experience, ServeSafe certification within 90 days, and a willingness to work irregular hours.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: 1 year cooking in an institutional setting; ability to prepare meals independently.
• Certifications/Licenses: ServeSafe within 90 days; First Aid/CPR preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and serves meals.
• Use of basic cooking utensils and equipment.
• Inspects kitchen and dining areas for sanitary standards and licensing compliance.
• Maintains food inventories.
• Prepares and stores food items for storage.
• Operates dishwashing equipment.
• Maintains clean work areas and adheres to sanitary standards and licensing regulations.
• Maintains security for work area and food inventories.
• May train other kitchen staff.

Skills

Institutional cooking

Nutrition literacy

Read recipes & labels

Willingness for irregular hours

Teamwork

Confidentiality & HIPAA

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ServeSafe Certification (within 90 days)

First Aid/CPR (preferred)

Job description

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division is seeking a dedicated kitchen worker to plan, prepare and serve nutritious meals in an institutional setting. This role supports daily operations of a food service program while ensuring compliance with safety, nutrition, and licensing standards.

Requirements include a high school diploma, at least one year of institutional cooking experience, ServeSafe certification within 90 days, and a willingness to work irregular hours.